#Travel Magnets
Hi Guys!
Welcome back to this weeks installment of Travel Magnets, the blog series where I summarize various countries, cities or locations which I have visited in my travels or plan to visit. I provide a breakdown of the destinations must see attractions, great accommodation, some travel tips and finish it off with a local song and a quote from the destination.
This week we cover Columbia,
Enjoy
#1. What I'm Watching
COLOMBIA - Magical country
#2. Some Pinterest Travel Inspiration
Some Pinterest Goodies,
Travel Tips
#3. An Airbnb that will inspire you to pack your bags and go!
1. Moderno, con hermosa vista al mar ($268 p.n)
2. Romantic guesthouse in the center ($72 p.n)
#4. Five must see attractions in Columbia...
During the visit, we learned about the entire coffee process, including planting a bush, harvesting coffee berries, removing the pulp, drying the beans, and finishing them with a roast. One fact we found especially interesting: 100 kg (220 lbs) of coffee berries typically yields only 13 kilos (29 lbs) of roasted coffee beans.
Colombia is the world’s third-largest producer of coffee (trailing only Brazil and Vietnam) and grows mainly Arabica beans in places of moderate to high elevation. Thankfully, unlike other coffee-producing cultures nearby, Colombia also saves a bit of its own production to be consumed at home in its own local cafés.
After visiting a coffee farm, it’s worth stopping off in the town of Salento to wander its colourful streets and grab a superb cup of coffee from Jesus Martin café If you’re anything like us, you’ll end up with several bags of beans to take with you.
Trekking in the Cocora Valley
Not too far from the coffee farms of Quindio, you’ll find the Cocora Valley; a cloud forest that the unique and towering – up to 68m (223 ft) tall – protected wax palm calls home. Our trek began in the valley, from which we climbed to almost 2,700m (8,858 ft) towards Acaime Peak. Along the way, we paused at overlooks to admire the atmosphere and views of towering cloud-wrapped palms. Although it appeared as though rain might ruin our trek, it turned out to be just enough to provide the cloud forest with the touch of atmosphere it needed.
Hiking and swimming at Tayrona National Park
Moving north to the Colombian Caribbean coast, we spent a day hiking and swimming at Tayrona National Park. The first part of the day includes a trek through tropical forest, where you might find monkeys – red howlers, capuchins, and titis – and if you’re lucky, an agouti, a large forest rodent known for enjoying fruit so much that it forgets where it has buried its stash. The trail continues, revealing protected coves and more forest until you reach Cabo San Juan beach. An afternoon where you find yourself relaxed and refreshed serves as a reward well earned for your hours spent hiking.
Wandering through the streets of Old Town Cartagena
Cartagena – even the name itself sounds kind of steamy and exotic. Located on the Caribbean Sea, Cartagena is Colombia’s second-oldest city and was for centuries an important Spanish colonial trading center. Most importantly, this is where Spanish colonialists stockpiled their spoils – gold, in particular – before shipping it all home to Mother Spain. As a result, the core of the old town remains a labyrinth of streets flush with old colonial homes punctuated by churches and grand plazas.Cartagena is one of those cities where it’s best to just put away the map for a few hours and allow yourself get lost. As it is a walled city, you can’t go too far… or get too lost.We also recommend taking a short walk over to the Getsemani neighbourhood, just outside the Old Town center. This neighbourhood was originally where escaped slaves and the poorer classes lived, but today it features a cool, colourful vibe further emphasized by some terrific street art.
Mud-bathing, Totumo Volcano
Does floating atop a “mud volcano” that is 2,300m (7,546 ft) deep sound like fun?It ought to.At the Totumo mud volcano near Cartagena, you climb down a ladder only to be engulfed in buoyant mud (you float, so it’s not in the least bit strenuous), get a mud massage for USD1.50, and then hang out suspended in the mud as your skin takes in over 55 different minerals.Once you’ve soaked in all the mud you can handle, stagger down to the nearby lake where a group of women will scrub you down to make sure you’re clean (for another USD1.50). An unusual experience, but one that will make you laugh and break more than a few smiles for time to come. You’ll thank us for later for the recommendation when your skin feels so soft, too.
#5. Some Travel Tunes for the road or inspiration...
CALBUCO 4K
#6. Some food for thought....
Quote of the week
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